2011 Great American Comedy Festival

Professional Semifinals Featuring Mike E. Winfield & Tommy Johnagin inals Amateur F With llins Dennis Co

Family Show With The Skit Guys

Professional Finals With Headliner Louie Anderson.

Johnny Carson Comedy Legend Award Presentation To Cloris Leachman

Thurs 10:30 pday & Friday .m. at D ivots TEEN SH OW 9:30 p.Fmriday . at Divo ts

Thursday, June 2, 2011 76443

What’s UP

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NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, Thursday, June 2, 2011

What’s UP

What’s happening on Wednesday and Thursday

What’s happening on Friday and Sunday

Amateur Night Wednesday, June 15, 7 p.m.

Comedy Competition Semifinals, Round 2 Friday, June 17, 7 p.m.  Where: Johnny Carson Theatre.  Ticket prices: $15, including taxes, in advance; $20, including taxes, day of performance.  Why go? Another 10 of the nation’s best up-and-coming professional comedians — as determined by auditions in cities across the United States — will take to the stage.

The top four, as determined by a panel of judges, will advance to Saturday evening’s finals.  Who else will perform?

Like Thursday night but with different comedy routines, Mike E. Winfield, who finished second in last year’s stand-up competition, will serve as the host, and Tommy Johnagin, who was part of the 2009 comedy festival in Norfolk, will also perform.

Teen comedy show Friday, June 17, 9:30 p.m.  Where: Divots Conference Center.  Ticket prices: $5 including taxes.  Why go? This year, the teen show will give the participants of this year’s comedy camp the chance to show what they’ve learned. The show also will feature some of the standup comedians, giving them a chance to perform for a different kind of audience.

After-Hours Comedy Club Friday, June 17, 10:30 p.m.  Where: Divots Conference Center.  Ticket prices: $10 including taxes.  Why go? Like the set on Thursday night, if you’re looking for edgy, adult comedy, this is the place to unwind. Most of the comedians participating in the festival competition also will be performing here.

The Skit Guys Sunday, June 19, 5 p.m.  Where: Johnny Carson Theatre.  Ticket prices: $12.50 for adults and $5 for children up to the age of 12, including taxes, in advance; $15 for adults and $7.50 for children, including taxes, at the door.  Why go? The Skit Guys bring a unique brand of comedy sure to appeal to all ages.

They’ve been featured at some of the largest church youth gatherings in the nation.

 Where: Johnny Carson Theatre.  Ticket prices: $10, including taxes, in advance; $12, including taxes, day of performance.  Why go? The 12 amateur comedians who will take to the stage already have won the support of audiences at preliminary competitions.

Audience members get to determine who wins the crown.

The show’s host is Dennis Collins of Norfolk.  Win a prize: Audience members who want to share a favorite joke may be called on stage during the tabulating of ballots and end up winning a prize for their joke. If interested, look in the lobby of the Johnny Carson Theatre for more details.

Comedy Competition Semifinals, Round 1 Thursday, June 16, 7 p.m.  Where: Johnny Carson Theatre.  Ticket prices: $15 including taxes, in advance; $20, including taxes, day of performance.  Why go? Ten of the nation’s best up-and-coming professional comedians — as determined by auditions in cities across the United States — will take to the stage. The top four, as determined by a panel of expert judges, will advance to Saturday evening’s finals.  Who else will perform?

Mike E. Winfield, who finished second in last year’s stand-up competition, will serve as the host, and Tommy Johnagin, who was part of the 2009 festival and finished second last year on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” will also perform.

After-Hours Comedy Club Thursday, June 16, 10:30 p.m.  Where: Divots Conference Center.  Ticket prices: $10 including taxes.  Why go? If you’re looking for edgy, adult comedy, this is the place to unwind. Many of the comedians participating in the festival competition also will be performing at the after-hours club.

Laughs aplenty

Last year’s changes stick for this year’s festival The success of last year’s Viaero Great American Comedy Festival made it easy for organizers of this year’s event. In other words — don’t mess with a good thing.

Like low ticket prices. A streamlined schedule of events.

More convenient times. Free events for the public.

Most of all, the very funny comedy doesn’t change. The 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival plans to provide just as many laughs as in years past.

“We want as many people as possible to be able to take in these shows because once you’re there, you have a great time,” said Lori Williams, vice chairman of the festival committee.

The festival kicks off with the amateur comedian finals on Wednesday, June 15, at 7 p.m., hosted by attorney Dennis W. Collins of Norfolk. The 12 comedians who will take to the stage will be performing to garner audience support because those in attendance will choose the winner.

But audience members also will have a chance to tell a joke themselves and perhaps win a prize.

On Thursday and Friday evenings at 7, the semifinals of the professional stand-up competition will take place.

Competition finals

Saturday, June 18, 7 p.m. n Where: Johnny Carson Theatre.  Ticket prices: $25, including taxes, in advance; $30, including taxes, at the door.  Why go? This is where the competition comes to a head and the winner of the stand-up competition earns the $5,000 grand prize.

But that’s not all. You’ll be entertained by the comedic genius of Louie Anderson, who will serve as the host and headliner for the performance; and you’ll have the chance to see the inaugural Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award presented to Cloris Leachman, who has won more Primetime Emmy awards than any other performer.

Each night, 10 up-and-coming comedians — who auditioned in front of Eddie Brill, the festival’s producer and comedy talent coordinator for David Letterman — will take to the stage in hopes of impressing a panel of expert judges so they can advance to Saturday’s finals.

The stand-up finals will take place Saturday, June 18, and also feature Louie Anderson as the host and headliner. Cloris Leachman will be presented the festival’s inaugural Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award.

The festival wraps up with a Sunday, June 19, performance at 5 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre by the Skit Guys, who bring their own unique brand of family comedy to Norfolk.

Late-night shows will again be held on Thursday and Friday at 10:30 p.m. at Divots in Norfolk, as well as a teen comedy show Friday at 9:30 p.m., that will not only feature some of the festival’s stand-up comedians, but also the teenagers who participated in the festival’s comedy camp during the week.

This is the fourth year for the festival, which began with an idea posed in the fall of 2006

by Kent Warneke, editor of the Norfolk Daily News. When one of Norfolk’s long-running festivals ceased, Warneke suggested the community create a comedy festival to honor the late Johnny Carson, the Norfolk native who hosted NBC’s “Tonight Show” for 30 years.

A committee was formed, and the first festival was held in June 2008.

How and Where to Buy Tickets Tickets to the 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival events are easy to obtain — just go to www.greatamericancomedyfestival.com and click on the button that says “ticket info.”

If you don’t have access to the Internet, call the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce at 371-4862 or the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau at 371-2932, or stop at the chamber office at 405 W. Madison Ave., and staff members will assist you.

All tickets, except the after-hours performances, are reserved seating.

Tickets to all events are also available at the door, but at 12:01 a.m. on the day of the show, the price will increase.

“This year’s festival again features lower ticket prices, so take advantage of them and buy them ahead of time instead of paying more at the door,” said Lora Young, executive director of the festival.

NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Headliners

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Johnny Carson inspires generations of comedians

Eddie Brill

THe SKit Guys

“We want to produce the best comedy festival in the world . . . as a way to honor Johnny.”

“It’s humbling to be considered a part of this (festival to honor Johnny Carson). We hope we’ve earned the right to be here.”

Eddie Brill may not be seen on the stage of the Johnny Carson Theatre as much as some others at this year’s Viaero Great American Comedy Festival.

But his role — and contributions — are as important as ever.

The comedian for more than 30 years and the comedy talent coordinator for “The Late Show with David Letterman” continues to serve as producer of the festival in Norfolk. It’s his way of paying tribute to and honoring the legacy of the late Johnny Carson.

This year, Brill again auditioned the stand-up comedians who will compete for the festival’s top prize, and was instrumental in arranging for Louie Anderson to serve as the festival’s headliner and Cloris Leachman as the festival’s inaugural Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award recipient.

The auditions are held over two different weeks and involve 10-12 cities across the nation. The goal at each audition is to find the most clever, intelligent and outstanding comedians — like the ones Johnny Carson welcomed on “The Tonight Show” stage for decades.

This year at the festival, Brill will help welcome audiences to the festival performances, will serve as a judge and also pose questions to Leachman during her award presentation.

He knows a good comedian when he sees one. In addition to his work with David Letterman, Brill has been honored on several occasions with the prestigious MAC Award for best stand-up comedian in New York City.

Cloris Leachman

Louie Anderson

With Emmy and Academy Awards to her credit, “she is a true legend, and she is still getting it done.”

In 1984, he made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, a guest spot that propelled him to nationwide fame.

Actress to receive comedy legend award at festival

‘Terrific comedian’ to serve as host at comedy festival

For her impressive body of work — including winning more Emmy awards than any other performer in the history of the television awards — Cloris Leachman has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award.

She’ll be in Norfolk during the 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival to receive the honor on Saturday, June 18, at the Johnny Carson Theatre.

As part of her impressive career, she also has a daytime Emmy and an Academy Award on her mantle.

“She is a true legend, and she is still getting it done,” said Eddie Brill, the festival’s producer and the comedy talent coordinator for David Letterman.

Born April 30, 1926, in Des Moines and a graduate of high school there, Leachman has made her mark in television and movies for decades.

She is perhaps best known for playing the nosy, self-centered and manipulative landlady, Phyllis Lindstrom, on the 1970s “Mary Tyler Moore” television series and later on the spin-off series titled “Phyllis.”

She also appeared in three Mel Brooks films, including “Young Frankenstein” as Frau Blucher and “High Anxiety.”

More recently, she was featured in a recurring role in the “Malcolm in the Middle” television series and she stars in the new Fox comedy series “Raising Hope,” where she plays the wacky grandmother “Maw Maw.” But there’s more to Leachman than just her acting.

In 2008, she was a contestant on the seventh season of “Dancing with the Stars” and paired with professional dancer Corky Ballas. Then 82 years old, she was the oldest contestant to dance on the series and remained in contention until the sixth round.

Leachman also made several guest appearances on “The Tonight Show” while Carson served as its host.

Previous recipients of the Comedy Legend award have been Dick Cavett, Bill Dana and Ed Asner. This year, representatives of the John Carson Foundation granted the festival permission to rename the award the Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award ­— one of only two awards that bear the Carson name.

When comedian Louie Anderson was initially approached about serving as the host and headliner for this summer’s 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival, there was a problem.

He already had something on his calendar for the date in question.

A little time went by and then the word reached Norfolk — Anderson had changed the other commitment so that he could be in Nebraska in June.

“He’s a terrific comedian. He really wants to be part of the festival,” said Eddie Brill, the festival’s producer and comedy talent coordinator for David Letterman.

Anderson will serve as the host of the festival’s Saturday evening performance, which will include the finals of the festival’s stand-up comedy competition and the presentation of the Johnny Carson Comedy Legend Award.

Anderson is one of the most versatile and successful comedians working in Hollywood today. He regularly performs in Las Vegas, served as the host of the “Family Feud” television game show for several years and has written several books.

Sharing the ups and downs of his childhood experiences as one of 11 children in Minnesota, Anderson crafted comedy routines that rang true for his early audiences. In 1981, he attracted the attention of Henny Youngman, who hired him as a writer and allowed him to continue to hone his stand-up routine.

In 1984, Anderson made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, a guest spot that propelled him to nationwide fame. Appearances with Jay Leno, David Letterman and on Showtime and HBO specials followed.

He has guest-starred in sitcoms like “Grace Under Fire” and dramas like “Touched by an Angel” and “Chicago Hope,” and he has had memorable featured roles in film comedies like “Coming to America,” opposite Eddie Murphy, and as a flower deliveryman in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” In 1995, Anderson went to work on the Saturday morning animated series “Life with Louie.” The longrunning series based on Anderson’s own childhood and his life with his father won three Humanitas Prizes for writing on a children’s animated series.

Tommy Woodard and Eddie James are The Skit Guys.

They have been best friends since high school. Think of them as the wise guys in class who had everyone laughing and managed to make a career out of it.

Together, they’ll close out the 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival as they headline a performance Sunday, June 19, at 5 p.m., at the Johnny Carson Theatre.

Both are married with children and when not performing together serve in ministry capacities in churches in Texas and Oklahoma.

Among their other credits, they’ve performed in front of more than 20,000 teenagers at the last two national youth gatherings for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

At their shows, “you’re going to laugh and you’re going to think,” James said.

“If you stay and listen, you’re not going to get preached at or hit over the head with a Bible; there will be little nuggets of truth throughout.”

With the excitement of performing in Johnny Carson’s hometown, James and Woodard said they’re also looking forward to seeing the other acts at the festival. They might even have a leg up on some of the other comedians.

“I don’t know if anyone else will bring a bald guy and a good-looking guy,” said Woodard, jokingly.

Between their history of friendship and faith-based skits, James and Woodard said they’re just two guys having a lot of fun. And they want to share that with their Norfolk audience on June 19.

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NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, Thursday, June 2, 2011

Around town Free events, late-night shows and documentary

The 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival will be more than just evening performances at the Johnny Carson Theatre and Divots. Here’s a look at what’s planned: Comedy camp From Wednesday through Friday, June 15-17, a comedy camp for high school students will be taking place at Northeast Community College. Instructors will be from Second City in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Comedy College.

The students will be instructed in the art of sketch writing, improv comedy, stand-up and stage presence. They’ll have a chance to show what they’ve learned at a teen show set for Friday, June 17, at 9:30 p.m. at Divots. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Not only will the teens perform but so will some of the professional comedians competing in the festival’s stand-up competition.

The inaugural Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award will be given to Cloris Leachman.

The Carson Connection

Comedy festival honors legacy of Norfolk’s late-night legend Since its inception, there’s been a strong connection between the Viaero Great American Comedy Festival and Johnny Carson.

This year, that link continues to grow even stronger.

The festival was first held in 2008 to honor the legacy of one of America’s greatest comedians ever — as well as remembering with gratitude the fondness Carson had for the town he called home.

Last year, Carson’s younger brother, Dick and his wife, Karlyn, were special guests at the festival. Dick Carson was honored at the festival for his distinguished career in television as the director of “The Tonight Show,” “The Merv Griffin Show” and, later, “Wheel of Fortune.”

This year, the festival adds to the “Carson connection” by being able to present the inaugural Johnny Carson Comedy Legend award.

The festival has presented a comedy legend award each year since its inception in 2008, but this year, the award has been renamed to add Carson’s name. It is one of only two awards in existence today that have been given permission to have the Carson name associated with it.

“We are so honored to be able to add Johnny Carson’s name to our comedy legend award,” said Kent Warneke, festival chairman.

“It provides a whole new level of prestige for those being honored.”

“The Great Carsoni” began his entertainment career at age 14. Carson (left) and his family — including younger brother Dick and sister Catherine — moved to Norfolk six years earlier.

This year’s recipient is Cloris Leachman. Past recipients are Dick Cavett, Bill Dana and Ed Asner. All four individuals will receive a newly designed award reflecting the addition of the Carson name.

Longtime Norfolkans are well aware of the connection between this Northeast Nebraska community and Johnny and Dick Carson, but newcomers and visitors might appreciate a brief history lesson.

Although the brothers were born in Iowa, Homer “Kit” and Ruth Carson moved the family to Norfolk in 1933.

Six years later, Carson began his life as an entertainer, doing magic shows for organizations, clubs and birthday parties. He first took to the stage at what is now Norfolk Junior High School

and was billed as “The Great Carsoni.”

In 1943, he graduated from Norfolk High School and that same year, he was hired by Orson Welles to be his assistant for a magic show. Carson served in the U.S. Navy until 1945.

After his military service, Carson attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama in 1949. He worked part time at radio station KFAB while in college.

In 1962, Johnny Carson took over hosting “The Tonight Show” after Jack Paar retired. He’d remain forever associated with the show, hosting it until retiring in 1992.

In 1981, Carson returned to Norfolk to tape “Johnny Goes Home,” a documentary on his life, and to celebrate his 56th birthday.

After Carson’s death on Jan. 23, 2005, Norfolkans and area residents turned out in droves to attend a special tribute to him.

His talent and career were hailed by many, but two quotes echo the sentiment of many: “No single individual has had as great an impact on television as Johnny. He was the gold standard,” said Jay Leno, Carson’s successor on “The Tonight Show.”

And David Letterman, a longtime friend of Carson’s, said, “All of us who came after are pretenders. We will not see the likes of him again.”

Who helped make festival possible

Viaero Wireless is again serving as the title sponsor of this year’s comedy festival in Norfolk. It’s the second year of its partnership with the festival.

“We’re very pleased to be able to continue to work with Viaero,” said Kent Warneke, festival chairman. “And in addition to Viaero, we’re grateful to all those companies and individuals who have financially supported the festival this year. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Also playing an instrumental role are the individuals who make up the festival’s planning committee. In addition to Warneke, they are Lori Williams, Dennis Collins, Ruthie Galitz, LuAnn Schindler, Lora Young, Michael and Stephanie Brogan, Jared Stiek, Lonn Atwood, Linda Libengood, Kathy Jedlicka, Deb Potts, Donna Herrick, John Stinson, Christopher Rempe, Sarah Pinkelman, Paula Pflueger, Anne Ausdemore, Tammy Langan-Young, Sheila Tomjack, Jim Curry, Brian Masters, Eric McKay, Susan Staub, Brook Kreder, Diane Dickie, Kristi Jagels, Pam Carlson and Tammy Wright.

‘Dying to Do Letterman’ On Saturday, June 18, at 2:30 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre, the award-winning documentary film “Dying to Do Letterman” will be shown. There is no charge.

The film is about Steve Mazan — who performed at the 2010 comedy festival in Norfolk — and his quest to appear on the David Letterman show after he was diagnosed with cancer about five years ago.

Mazan and his wife, Denise, will be on hand for the showing of the funny and poignant 76-minute film and participate in a question-andanswer session afterward.

Downtown barbecue If you’re interested in a tasty meal and a chance to mingle with some of the comedians on hand for the 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival, plan on attending a free community barbecue at noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 18.

It will be at J’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar outdoor patio and is being sponsored by the Downtown Norfolk Association and downtown Norfolk’s Vehicle Parking District.

Downtown merchants also are planning activities for Saturday.

Laugh and a Half Marathon Saturday morning will see Norfolk High School as the focal point of a new half-marathon planned by US92 and 94 Rock. Participants will make several laps of the course laid out near downtown Norfolk and elsewhere.

Carson video tribute The Elkhorn Valley Museum & Research Center will be showing during its normal hours of operation a special 19-minute video tribute to Johnny Carson.

The tribute features David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jay Leno and others. It has only been shown in public once before — at the recent dedication of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

River float If the weather cooperates, a fun float down the North Fork River from the Norfolk Family YMCA to Johnson Park in downtown Norfolk will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18.

The event is being organized by the North Fork River Development Project. Stock tanks will be used for a leisurely trip down the river, and it might even feature some of the festival comedians.

Who ARE THESE GUYS?

NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, Thursday, June 2, 2011

Lucas Molandes, Austin, Texas.

Lucas Molandes has an impressive list of accomplishments that include appearances at the prestigious Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” and CNN”s “Not Just Another Cable News Show.”

Here’s a snapshot of the 20 stand-up comedians

Ross Bennett, New York City Born in Hornell, N.Y. — “a small town just on the outskirts of a Walmart” — Bennett has taken his small-town sensibilities to audiences around the world.

Karen Bergreen, New York City A mother of two small boys, Bergreen does stand-up to get out of the house. She has been invited twice to perform at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen and has appeared on Comedy Central, The Oxygen Network and “The Joy Behar Show.”

Matt Donaher, Boston He started writing at an early age, though mostly just scribbles and his name. You can hear him perform his jokes all over the East Coast or via echo if he’s near a canyon or cave.

Ryan Hamilton, New York City Named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s five comics to watch and has standout appearances on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Comedy Central and Showtime to his credit.

Hippieman, Denver John Novosad has made appearances on the “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and was the winner of the New Faces competition at the Aspen Laff Festival earlier this year.

Brendan Lynch, San Francisco Lynch has established himself as a comedian to look out for in the San Francisco Bay Area. Lynch’s astute observational comedy will surprise audiences with its bold sarcasm, absurd twists and hilarious punchlines.

Carmen Lynch, New York City Lynch’s dry style of comedy can be seen in clubs and colleges all around the country. She’s appeared on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and was a semifinalist on this past season’s “Last Comic Standing” on NBC. Lenny Marcus, New York City Marcus is a regular in all of the major comedy clubs in New York City.

Most recently, Lenny has worked on NBC’s “The Marriage Ref,” with Tom Papa and Jerry Seinfeld.

Jeff Maurer, Washington, D.C. Originally from the Norfolk, Va., area, Maurer found work as a speechwriter and also as a blogger for the Washington Post. He started doing standup as a way to express ideas about work, politics and society that weren’t fit for the office.

Moody McCarthy, New York City Moody McCarthy has been a comic for two millennia, impressive for a guy less than a century old. McCarthy combines well-crafted material with topical banter that thrives in any setting, from country clubs to pubs.

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Bennett

B. Lynch

Bergreen

C. Lynch

Donaher

Marcus

Hamilton

Maurer

Hippieman

McCarthy

The Up-and-comers

Comedians auditioned across the country Every winter for the past four years, Eddie Brill has piled up the frequent flyer miles.

The producer of the Viaero Great American Comedy Festival spends about two weeks each year to audition comedians from across the nation in order to decide who to invite to the upcoming festival.

Every winter, he comes away impressed.

He can find himself in New York City, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, Austin, Texas, or Chicago and the reaction is always the same — there are comedians who want to spend a few days in Norfolk in June.

It’s for the chance to win the

Molandes

Shuford

festival’s top prize of $5,000.

It’s for the chance to be heard and seen by the likes of Brill and the panel of judges that he assembles each year for the festival — talent agents or comedy club owners.

The 20 comedians selected for this year’s festival will take to the stage on Thursday, June 16, and Friday, June 17, at 7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre. Ten comedians will perform each night.

It’s for the chance to be part of a festival that, while only four years old, has gained a favorable reputation in the world of comedy.

It’s for the opportunity to learn more about the late Johnny Carson and pay tribute to his comedic legacy.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s because they’re curious what it would be like to perform in a community like Norfolk.

Judges will select the top four from each preliminary performance and they’ll advance to the stand-up finals on Saturday, June 18, at 7 p.m. at the Carson theater.

Naik

Sullivan

Rontowski

Williamson

Many of the comedians also will perform at the late-night comedy performances Thursday and Friday at 10:30 p.m. at Divots, as well as a special teen comedy show set for Friday at 9:30 p.m. at Divots, too.

Rutledge

Witty

Shillue

Zito

Niraj Naik, Denver Niraj Naik — just your everyday first-generation Indian American Joe — amuses audiences with his self-deprecating style and unique perspective on life as a son, husband and father.

Karen Rontowski, San Diego Having performed in 45 states and more than 25 countries, including Greenland and New Jersey, Karen Rontowski bring positive thinking to a new hysterical level.

Gabriel Rutledge, Seattle In 2000, Rutledge abandoned his successful pizza delivery career for comedy. Since then, he has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Seattle International Comedy Competition and has appeared on “Live at Gotham” on Comedy Central.

Tom Shillue, New York City Tom Shillue is a writer and comedian who has been seen in his own “Comedy Central Presents” stand-up special, on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” and in his own segment on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Anton Shuford, Philadelphia He was a finalist in the 2009 Boston Comedy Festival, 2009 winner of Philly’s Phunniest Competition and was a 2011 Laughing Skull in Atlanta finalist.

Sean Sullivan, Boston A two-time semi-finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival, Sean Sullivan made his national television debut in December 2009 on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham.” Sean was also selected to star in a new stand-up comedy pilot, “Die Laughing.”

Dave Williamson, Miami Dave’s humor focuses on the hijinks of everyday life. He often documents his colorful college experience and the attempts to cling to those times despite his continuing journey into young adulthood as a husband and father living in Miami.

Isaac Witty, Minneapolis Over the course of a 13-year stand-up comedy career, Witty has developed a clean, innovative, hilarious act that has been featured on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “A Prairie Home Companion,” and the Montreal Comedy Festival.

Chris Zito, Boston Chris Zito has spent the last 30 years sharing his obsession with his family with comedy fans and radio listeners all over the country. Audiences enjoy his clean, funny and upbeat approach.

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NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Hosts

Mike E. Winfield “This is easily one of the best festivals because of the way the town is involved.”

After finishing second in the professional competition at the 2010 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival, Mike E. Winfield will return this summer to host the preliminary competitions on Thursday, June 16, and Friday, June 17.

“This year it’s even easier,” Winfield said. “All I’m doing is performing an introduction.”

Winfield grew up in the inner city of Baltimore and learned at a young age how he could be funny even when he wasn’t trying to be.

Countless performances have earned him appearances on Comedy Central’s “Live At Gotham,” BET’s “Comicview” and, most recently, his network television debut on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”

But later this month, he’s looking forward to his second visit to Norfolk.

“I got the date ‘X’ed on the calendar and I got my boarding pass printed,” Winfield said.

“I feel like I’m coming back to see family,” said Winfield, commenting that he felt as if he were a part of the Norfolk community after being in town less than one week.

From the Norfolkans who offered him rides to and from his hotel, to those who invited him to dinner or just to hang out after shows, this type of “town love” is the reason Winfield said he is eager to return.

“This is easily one of the best festivals because of the way the town is involved,” Winfield said.

The Hosts

Briard

Dougherty

Jacobs

Doug Briard, Fort Collins, Colo.

Will Dougherty, Omaha Alicia Jacobs, Denver Jim Maxwell, Omaha Mike Maxwell, Chicago Chris Miller, Denver

Jsin

O’Brien

J. Maxwell

Who ARE THESE GUYS? Here’s a look at the 12 amateur comedians

Roquemore

M. Maxwell

Miller

Captain Jsin, Fort Collins, Colo.

Kevin O’Brien, Denver Stacy Roquemore, Denver Irv Tsypis, Minneapolis Drew Volle, Denver Steve Young, Evergreen, Colo.

Tsypis

Volle

Young

The amateurs

$500, trophy and Brill evaluation at stake If you want to be in the position, sometime in the future, to say, “I saw him perform way back when. I knew he was going to make it.” — then this is your opportunity.

On Wednesday, June 15, at 7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk, the 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival will kick off with the finals of the amateur comedian competition.

Twelve individuals will take to the stage, hoping to propel their budding careers by winning the festival’s amateur title.

This year’s performance will be hosted by Dennis Collins of Norfolk.

In addition to audience members determining — through their votes — who wins the amateur title, those who also want to tell a joke will have the opportunity to do so.

Prior to the performance, audience members can share their favorite joke with comedy festival board members.

Several individuals later will be called Collins to the stage of the Johnny Carson Theatre — while the tabulating of ballots is taking place

— and be able to tell the joke to the entire audience.

Prizes will be awarded and, especially with Collins serving as host, there are bound to be lots of laughs.

The winner of the amateur competition will receive $500, a trophy and a chance to have his comedy routine evaluated by Eddie Brill, the festival’s producer and the comedy talent coordinator for “The Late Show with David Letterman.”

All 12 of the amateur finalists qualified at one of a series of four preliminary competitions held earlier this year in Norfolk, Kearney and West Point.

Want to win free tickets to next year’s comedy festival?

People attending performances of the 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival will have a chance to win free tickets to next summer’s festival.

And all it will take is about 30 seconds of their time.

Festival organizers will have a table set up in the lobby of the Johnny Carson Theatre where ticketholders can stop by and fill out a brief survey.

The survey is aimed at finding out where people who are attending the festival are from, if they’re staying overnight in Norfolk and, if so, where.

By filling out the survey, their names will be automatically entered in a drawing for free tickets to the 2012 festival. Winners will be contacted by festival organizers.

Tommy Johnagin He finished second on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” after performing in Norfolk.

Northeast Nebraskans who saw Tommy Johnagin perform at the 2009 Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk knew they were seeing something — and someone — special.

When Johnagin finished second on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” last season, it only served to reinforce their opinion.

Johnagin continues to make a national name for himself in the world of stand-up comedy, but he’s making time to return to Norfolk this month to perform at the 2011 comedy festival.

He’ll perform at both of the preliminary rounds of stand-up competition at the festival, slated for Thursday, June 16, and Friday, June 17, at 7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre.

And he says he won’t mind it at all if he can visit Norfolk without having a tornado warning sound right in the middle of a festival performance — which is exactly what occurred in 2009.

Johnagin started stand-up at the age of 18, dropping out of college at 21 to become a full-time comedian.

He’s appeared on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham” and has hosted his one 30minute special on Comedy Central. He’s appeared on “The Late Show with David Letterman” several times.

NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, Thursday, June 2, 2011

The following companies, individuals, organizations and agencies provided valuable financial and in-kind support to the 2011 Viaero Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk.

Without their help, the festival would not have been possible. Thanks to all those who contributed. Their support is truly appreciated.

Title sponsor: Viaero Wireless Champions of Comedy ($5,000 or more donation) Advance Services Nebraska Humanities Council Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau Nucor — Vulcraft Group, Bar Mill Group, Cold Finish Group, Nucor Detailing Center

Boisterous Backer ($2,500 or more donation)

Punch Line Patron ($1,000 or more donation)

Affiliated Foods Midwest Divots Conference Center - Donna Herrick Nate Eckloff Nebraska Department of Travel & Tourism Norfolk Iron & Metal Supertel Hospitality

Clayton Andrews BankFirst Cornhusker Auto Center The Day Companies Faith Regional Health Services

Mike Flood Insurance Associates J’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar Lutt Trucking Tom & Gwen Weihe Western Office Technologies

Knee Slapping Sponsor ($500 or more donation) Appeara Beckenhauer Construction Jim Bradford Jr. Brogan & Stafford P.C. Canham Maytag Home Appliance Center Connecting Point Computer Center Copple, Rockey, McKeever & Schlecht P.C. Custom Heating Air Conditioning & Sheet Metal

Dinkel Implement Downtown Coffee Company/DEG Edward Jones — Paula Pflueger Employment Works Farm Bureau Financial Services Brad Bosch Patrick Ferguson Flooring Solutions

Frontier Bank Gaines & Associates, P.C. Henn House Dairy Jewell, Collins and Flood Kentucky Fried Chicken Langan Dental Health Center, PC Louis Dreyfus Commodities Love Signs, Inc.

Marathon Press Earl & Marilyn Mitchell Model Electric Sterling Computers US Bank Kent & Susan Warneke Wattier Auto Body

Comedy Lover ($250 or more donation) Allied Securities ASQ Doug & Ginge Dudley Edward Jones — Steve Flaherty Joe & Bev Ferguson First National Bank Hemmer & Langholz CPA’s P.C.

Isabelle Court Apartments Mike & Kathy Jedlicka K Porter Construction Dr. Bradley J. Krivohlavek DDS McIntosh Enterprises J. E. Meuret Grain Mid City Superstore

Midwest Bank Mike Nolan Nebraska Harvestore Systems Northeast Nebraska Federal Credit Union Power Sports Nation Christopher & Julie Rempe

State Farm Insurance - Jay Wolfe U-Save Pharmacy Wells Fargo Bank Wetzel & Truex Jewelers Women’s Health of Northeast Nebraska Wragge’s Construction

Comic’s Relief (Other donation amount) Albin Law Office Authier, Miller, Pape Eye Care Consultants Jerome C. Bahm, CPA Brogan & Gray, PC Century Lumber Center Citizens State Bank Copycraft Printing Courtesy Ford Crafts, Inc. Jim & Julie Curry

Media sponsors CableOne KPNO KTIV Media Production Group NTV Norfolk Daily News US 92 and 94 Rock WJAG, 106 KIX and Lite Rock 97.5 76444

Dover Realtors Echo Electric Energy Control Heating & Air Conditioning Lynn Funk Gerhold Concrete Co. The Granary Great Western Bank Hales & Associates David W. Hamm, CPA HealthWorks

Hofmann Plumbing Holiday Inn Express & Hampton Inn Hy-Vee Jerry’s Auto Sales Just Baked Cupcakery Ken’s Trailer Sales & Repairs Madison County Bank Ed & Renee McClymont Moyer & Moyer New Century Agency

Norfolk Specialties Jerry Peterson Deb Potts Principles of Living Shawn Seversen Three Z Kard Klub Rick and Sheila Tomjack Vital Care Pharmacy of Norfolk Walmart Wisnieski Corporations Zoubek Oil

With special thanks to (for in-kind donations or other assistance) Arrow Stage Lines Deets HomeStore Downtown Norfolk Association Downtown Norfolk Vehicle Parking District Elkhorn Valley Museum Facedown Productions Norfolk Arts Center Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Norfolk Country Inn

Norfolk Public Schools Northeast Community College NorthFork River Development Project Pierce Lockers Praireland RC & D Jack Sobotka, CPA Subway/Rosberg Management Time Square Event Center Bruce & Connie Zimmerman

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NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, Thursday, June 2, 2011

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